In being asked to solely focus on defensive pressure, the Tiger trio set the standard.

"They're always doing their job, so you don't ever want to let them down," Edwards said.

Having a band of three 'mosquitoes' meant the constant harassment became contagious.

"(Butler and Rioli) pressure amazingly and they help me out as well, when we're pressuring. I guess it kind of flows on and we help each other out," Castagna said.

There were nerves for him, after a so-so display in the qualifying final win against Geelong. Shai Bolton was in outstanding VFL form and nipping at Castagna's heels.

"I was obviously pretty nervous because I had a couple of average games I guess, but 'Dimma' showed faith in me and kept backing me and letting me play, so I was really grateful to him," Castagna said.

Rioli's story was different to those two. His family was part of football royalty and his talent has been obvious since he debuted in last year's season-opener, just months after being drafted with selection No.15.

He suffered an injury to his left foot in the last term and couldn't play out the match, or even run to his teammates after the final siren.

Rioli was on crutches after the game, not that he cared.

"I don't have to worry about the foot, I can worry about the medal around my neck and celebrate with my family and my teammates," Rioli told AFL.com.au.

The medal draped around his neck looked so fitting in the aftermath of Richmond's victory.

That's no surprise, considering Cyril Rioli has won four flags at Hawthorn while Maurice RIoli won the Norm Smith in the Tigers' side that lost to Carlton in 1982, and won a WAFL premiership with South Fremantle in 1980.

"Maurice and Cyril did it, and now it's my turn," a beaming Rioli said.